Columbia Cruise bags technical management for two more Marella ships

Digital image showing Marella Explorer's livery when she enters service in 2018

Marella Cruises has appointed Columbia Cruise Services (CCS) the technical management contract for its newest and largest ship Marella Explorer (Mein Schiff 1) and its next ship currently sailing as Mein Schiff 2.

From 2019, CCS will manage all of Marella Cruises’ six-ship fleet.

Marella Explorer and Mein Schiff 2, will both undergo an extensive refit on all 13 decks, 962 cabins and ten restaurants.

Adrian Hibbert, director of operations at Marella Cruises said: ‘I am delighted to announce our extended partnership with Columbia Cruise Services. We consider them to be a leader in cruise ship management and I am pleased that they will support us to deliver our next two ships.’

CCS md Olaf Groeger said: ‘The appointment of Marella’s vessels 5 and 6 to CCS did not happen by default. We are proud that we withstood the extensive tender process, and assure that we put all efforts into a successful continuation and development of our cooperation with Marella Cruises.’

The takeover process for Marella Explorer has started, explained CCS fleet manager André Bloemendaal. ‘A task force for the project kick-off has been initiated and will join the future Marella Explorer for familiarisation with the vessel and its specifics starting this week.’